Pilgrimage to Washington DC
by Donald E. Hester
on May 13
in Government
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Donald E. Hester
Husband, father, and adventurer. A computer science instructor who dabbles in t
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On my latest trip to Washington DC I deliberately decided that while it was a business trip I would endeavor to make a visit to a number of place you might call hallowed grounds or sacred places. On my list of places to see was the Museum of the Marine Corps, the Iwo Jima Marine Corps memorial and Arlington cemetery. It is like a pilgrimage for me and a chosen as a priority over the sites to see in Washington DC. You see I have placed a great deal of gratitude for those who gave the last full measure. We all benefit from their sacrifices. I feel they deserve something back from me. Therefore, I go; my act of appreciation, honor and deep gratitude.
First on my list was The Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. As I walked up to the building I could not help but noticed the grandeur while it maintained a level of simplicity. As I entered the building I was greeted with the familiar "Semper Fi", followed by "Marine welcome to your Museum." What a welcome! We marine are a unique breed. Diverse indeed, yet a common bond, we find unity in our diversity. A unity, in our love for service, to our country and fellow man. A will to do what is necessary, even if there is a great personal expense. I am honored to be counted among some of the greatest men who have ever walked the Earth. I am grateful to those who donated so that we marines might have a museum all our own. Semper Fidelis.
Next on my pilgrimage was the Marines War Memorial, depicting the famous flag raising captured by Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. I was disappointed that the memorial was surrounded by freeways and outside of Arlington National Cemetery. Yet the separation is so much like Marines. This place is iconic to all Marines representing everything that is good and honorable about Marines. I stayed around for sometime just marveling at the great icon. I saw many people come and go. They rushed off the tour bus to click a few pictures just to rush back to the packed bus. I think the significance of the memorial was wasted on some of the spectators. Some of them never even looked up at the memorial as they made their way on and off the bus. I wonder if they understand the price that was paid for them? If they did I would think they would have more reverence for the memorial.
"Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast or a sin that my soul abhors than that black and detestable one of ingratitude." - George Washington
As I left, I said a prayer for all those Marines who have served, are serving and will serve. As I thought about how people take lightly the sacrifices made on their behalf. I could not help thinking how often we forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for our freedom from sin and death.
Finally, my journey took me to Arlington National Cemetery. What a beautiful and fitting honor for those who have served us, our country, selflessly. I could feel the reverence in the place and the care given as honor. First, I proceeded to the Eternal Flame memorial to John F. Kennedy. As I approached the memorial, a docent was asking people to remain silent out of respect when they approach the memorial. I assume that is the least we could do to honor our fallen President. Yet some people could not keep their mouth shut. They must think the nonsense that spills from their mouths was somehow more important. It reminded me of the old commercial that depicts a Native American on the side of the road with a tear in his eye as he spots people littering on the freeway. Luckily God saw fit to drench them and they quickly left. I might have been soaked but at least it was silent respect by those who remained.
I then proceeded to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I saw the reverence and devotion truly worthy of those who gave the last full measure. I witnessed precision and care as acts of love and gratitude. Attention to detail; a flawless execution. We are truly thankful, even to those whom we do not know. May God grant them peace.
Tags: Travel, Marine Corps
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